White House: No extended tax cuts for rich, period

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE – The White House is insisting President Barack Obama will not extend the Bush-era tax cuts for wealthier Americans — even temporarily.

Obama spokesman Jay Carney said the president has been clear in his opposition to extending tax cuts for households with annual incomes above $250,000.

Tax cuts for people of all incomes are due to expire at year's end.

Carney's stand came after former President Bill Clinton caused a political headache for the White House by suggesting in an interview that tax cuts for people of all incomes — including the rich — should be extended into 2013 to avoid economic harm and allow time for a broader fiscal deal.

Pressed directly on whether Obama would support a temporary extension, Carney said: "He will not. Could I be more clear?"